Jammu: The Government Friday informed that 40 new positive cases of novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 1489.
Among the fresh cases, seven were reported from Jammu division and 33 from Kashmir division.
Nodal officer for coronavirus control at SKIMS Soura, Dr G H Yatoo, said that ten samples out of 2088 which returned positive include those of three persons each from Baramulla and Kupwara, two from Shopian— 25-year-old woman from Palpora and 45-year-old Memandarwhile one each is from Srinagar—19-year-old man Hyderpora and Budgam—23-year-old man from Sheikhpora.
The Kupwara cases include three men— 30-year-old from Handwara, 42-year-old from Lolab and 32-year-old from Hyhama while those from Baramulla include 30-year-old male from Wuhama Rafiabad besides 30-year-old each woman and man from Hardichillo Tangmarg. Dr. Salim Khan, nodal officer for COVID-19 at the Government Medical College Srinagar said that out of 720 samples processed at Microbiology Lab of CD Hospital here, seven returned positive.
Sources said that they include two bakers from Pinglena Pulwama, one of them is 30-year-old and other 55-year-old. The other cases include 65-year-old woman from Malnag Anantnag, 85-year-old man from Qazigund Kulgam, 25-year-old from Drarangan Anantnag, 38-year-old woman, initially admitted to LD hospital and now shifted to JVC Bemina and 48-year-old woman pneumonia patient from Kargil, admitted to SMHS hospital Srinagar.
With these fresh cases, Anantnag now has 266 COVID-19 patients, highest in all districts, followed by Kulgam (193), Srinagar (176), Bandipora (138), Baramulla (132), Kupwara (128), Shopian (127), Jammu (68), Budgam (63), Kathua (40), Udhampur (33), Ramban (30), Ganderbal (27), Pulwama (21), Samba (20), Rajouri (10), Kishtwar (7), Poonch5, Reasi 4 and one in Doda.
Meanwhile an advisory informed the people that the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metre from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap & water and following good respiratory etiquettes and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The bulletin again explained that early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent handwashing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialling toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.